Part Time Intern Counselor

This is a part-time position scheduled for up to 21 hours per week.

Under the close supervision of the Program Manager, the SUD Intern Counselor receives supervised practical training and experience toward certification as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor. Under clinical supervision, the intern develops knowledge and experience in the core functions of SUD counseling, including, but not limited to, screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, consultation, and recordkeeping.

This part-time position is part of a larger interdisciplinary team that provides substance use disorder treatment and support services to clients enrolled in the program.

Responsibilities and Duties: (Include, but are not limited to:)

• Learns to conduct preliminary and intake interviews and gather needed information. Under supervision, collects and documents substance abuse histories.
• Learns to assess mental health and detox needs and coordinate detox or MAT services as needed.
• Learns to assist in the development of problems lists and to participate in diagnostic, case management meetings and progress conferences.
• Observes and facilitates daily group counseling and client education sessions for adults and/or families on various substance abuse and other health related topics
• Observes and delivers individual counseling sessions with clients and/or families/loved ones to address personalized goals and develop needed skill sets.
• Assists with case management functions to ensure that clients access vocational, educational, financial (e.g., benefits acquisition), social, medications for addiction treatment (MAT), and other resources to support personal recovery goals post treatment.
• Assists in communications on behalf of clients with the Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Mental Health, Probation Department, Criminal/Dependency Courts, Department of Social Services, and other community treatment providers and clients’ family and other support persons. 
• Supports maintenance of a positive and safe environment conducive to quality treatment by welcoming, orienting and motivating clients to treatment routines; and when necessary, conduct bed and facility ground checks, and intervenes to deescalate or resolve patient-related crises or problems.
• Completes and maintain accurate records and reports regarding the patients’ histories and progress, services provided, and other required information; ad enter information into the electronic medical record (“EMR”) system(s) in the required format and within the required timeline. 
• Maintain compliance with registration requirements, including continuing education and training, towards counselor certification. 
• Attends staff meetings as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent
• Possess valid registration as SUD intern counselor by approved DHCS certifying body (e.g., CAADE, CADTP, or CCAPP).
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs and ability to learn software programs
• Ability to establish boundaries with clients
• Ability to manage difficult behaviors
• Ability to apply ethical guidelines of profession 
• Ability to be nonjudgmental and respectful of others’ beliefs, values and culture

Special Qualifications: 

• Pre-Employment Investigative Background Check and Drug Test is required. 
• Progress House, Inc. is a Drug-Free Workplace.
• Post-Hire TB Test is required. 
• Pre-employment physical including fitness for duty examination is required.